Well I passed my pre-procedure Covid test at Yale on Friday and the endoscopic balloon dilation went forward today.I was mildly sedated, but there was no pain or discomfort. Was like any pouch endoscopy I ever had before. Procedure will have to be repeated in 4-6 weeks, and then probably again, and maybe again. They dilate a little at a time with the idea of not ripping a gaping hole in the intestinal wall. I had a very small amount of blood released from my rectum after the procedure but none in my first bowel movement around 5 hours later (I ate dinner around 1.5 hours post procedure).
Hopefully after 3 dilations that sucker will be opened up and stay opened.
BTW, I got some further info on what to expect with a possible, but unlikely perforation complication from the procedure. They said symptoms would occur within hours: first extreme pain, followed by a fever. Fortunately, I am 4 hours post procedure now with no symptoms. I have actually eaten a meatball grinder and i feel pretty good. I am at home resting and watching TV. Back to work tomorrow.